2010年5月15日星期六
Off-season notebook
Between now and when the 2009 Grapefruit League schedule starts up, the MLB jerseys old stats-man will be paring back his columns to once a week on all things baseball. Until that time, you might see me at an NHL or CHL hockey rink near you. But before that …
2010年5月13日星期四
WELCOME FRED LEWIS
Clearly a shake-up is needed and with that in mind, the 2010 World Cup Jerseys Jays picked up outfielder Fred Lewis from the Giants for futures. The left-handed hitting 29-year-old has hit leadoff for San Francisco in almost half of his 225 career Major League games and is a gap hitter with speed. Jeremy Reed was sent back to triple-A Las Vegas to make room. We’re just not sure whose at-bats Lewis is going to take.
Toronto sports fans, saddled with losing teams at every venue in the city, were just saying enough is enough. The Maple Leafs, the one team that everyone apart from me can't do without, was set to embark upon another season that would end in failure. The Argonauts were stumbling through a horrible 3-15 season which saw them win just one of its nine home games. Toronto FC, the soccer club that is beloved by just enough people to fill BMO Field for every game, failed to qualify for the post-season for the third time in its three years of existence. And the Raptors, for all the promise that was fed to the ticket buyers, stumbled badly down the stretch and now are life and death to claim the eighth and final playoff spot in the NBA's East Conference; which would make them a first round sweep for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Toronto sports fans, saddled with losing teams at every venue in the city, were just saying enough is enough. The Maple Leafs, the one team that everyone apart from me can't do without, was set to embark upon another season that would end in failure. The Argonauts were stumbling through a horrible 3-15 season which saw them win just one of its nine home games. Toronto FC, the soccer club that is beloved by just enough people to fill BMO Field for every game, failed to qualify for the post-season for the third time in its three years of existence. And the Raptors, for all the promise that was fed to the ticket buyers, stumbled badly down the stretch and now are life and death to claim the eighth and final playoff spot in the NBA's East Conference; which would make them a first round sweep for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
2010年5月11日星期二
Ranking the finals
If anyone else has some candidates for who put the NFL jerseys curse on this province, we can do a mass burning of jerseys of the suspected culprits and break this curse. Maybe we can even invite Damaso Garcia to start
I had the rare opportunity of attending two Game 7s in a span of 24 hours.
First, I attended the finale of the Pittsburgh-Washington series, which was a complete dud compared to the first six games.
But last night in Boston, the hockey gods were smiling on me, as I witnessed one of the few Game 7 overtime finishes in league history.
Scott Walker joined an exclusive club of players to score Game 7 overtime winners. That list includes Russ Courtnall, Stephane Matteau and David Volek. (And any club that includes David Volek is definitely exclusive).
But Walker's goal also eliminated the Bruins - and the chance that we could have our first Original Six Stanley Cup Finals in three decades.
Instead, the Hurricanes could make their third appeance in the Finals in this decade alone. (Twice with Paul Maurice as coach. Sorry Toronto fans. I didn't mean to rub it in, but it just worked out that way).
So here (in order) are my rankings of the four potential matchups in the 2009 Stanley Cup:
#1 - Pittsburgh vs Detroit. There is nothing better than a sequel in sports. And a rematch between last year's Cup Finalists would be the most appealing match-up for one reason: Marian Hossa. On the "Most Despised Athlete in Pittsburgh History List", Hossa probably falls just behind Barry Bonds and a little ahead of Neil O'Donnell. He turned down a lucrative long-term deal in Pittsburgh to sign for one year in Detroit. How much would the Penguins and their fans like to stick it to Hossa? How much would Hossa like to justify his decision? How weird is it that I brought up Neil O'Donnell in a Stanley Cup preview blog?
#2 - Chicago vs Pittsburgh. Right now, I'm going suggest Sportsnet hires Alexander Semin as a guest analyst if this series comes to fruition. First question for him: "Hey Alex - what did you say about Sidney Crosby and Patrick Kane back in the fall?" Now that's golden television. (Who cares if he can't speak English). But seriously, this would be a terrific and entertaining series. And if this series goes to a seventh and deciding game, it should be obligatory for Jean-Claude Van Damme to make an appearance.
#3 - Detroit vs Carolina. Remember when I said there is nothing better than sequels in sports? Well, I kind of lied. Seeing Detroit and Carolina in the Finals again would be like being forced to watch "Weekend At Bernie's 2". These teams met in 2002, which seems like yesterday - until you remember that Arturs Irbe was in goal for Carolina. I don't think this matchup is too appealing, but if Cam Ward beats Detroit, he should be our starting goalie at the 2010 Olympics.
#4 - Chicago vs Carolina. Here's NBC's tagline for this series: "Have you been dying to find out who won the Tuomo Ruutu for Andrew Ladd trade?" Enough said.
So what Stanley Cup Finals matchup would you like to see in two weeks?
I had the rare opportunity of attending two Game 7s in a span of 24 hours.
First, I attended the finale of the Pittsburgh-Washington series, which was a complete dud compared to the first six games.
But last night in Boston, the hockey gods were smiling on me, as I witnessed one of the few Game 7 overtime finishes in league history.
Scott Walker joined an exclusive club of players to score Game 7 overtime winners. That list includes Russ Courtnall, Stephane Matteau and David Volek. (And any club that includes David Volek is definitely exclusive).
But Walker's goal also eliminated the Bruins - and the chance that we could have our first Original Six Stanley Cup Finals in three decades.
Instead, the Hurricanes could make their third appeance in the Finals in this decade alone. (Twice with Paul Maurice as coach. Sorry Toronto fans. I didn't mean to rub it in, but it just worked out that way).
So here (in order) are my rankings of the four potential matchups in the 2009 Stanley Cup:
#1 - Pittsburgh vs Detroit. There is nothing better than a sequel in sports. And a rematch between last year's Cup Finalists would be the most appealing match-up for one reason: Marian Hossa. On the "Most Despised Athlete in Pittsburgh History List", Hossa probably falls just behind Barry Bonds and a little ahead of Neil O'Donnell. He turned down a lucrative long-term deal in Pittsburgh to sign for one year in Detroit. How much would the Penguins and their fans like to stick it to Hossa? How much would Hossa like to justify his decision? How weird is it that I brought up Neil O'Donnell in a Stanley Cup preview blog?
#2 - Chicago vs Pittsburgh. Right now, I'm going suggest Sportsnet hires Alexander Semin as a guest analyst if this series comes to fruition. First question for him: "Hey Alex - what did you say about Sidney Crosby and Patrick Kane back in the fall?" Now that's golden television. (Who cares if he can't speak English). But seriously, this would be a terrific and entertaining series. And if this series goes to a seventh and deciding game, it should be obligatory for Jean-Claude Van Damme to make an appearance.
#3 - Detroit vs Carolina. Remember when I said there is nothing better than sequels in sports? Well, I kind of lied. Seeing Detroit and Carolina in the Finals again would be like being forced to watch "Weekend At Bernie's 2". These teams met in 2002, which seems like yesterday - until you remember that Arturs Irbe was in goal for Carolina. I don't think this matchup is too appealing, but if Cam Ward beats Detroit, he should be our starting goalie at the 2010 Olympics.
#4 - Chicago vs Carolina. Here's NBC's tagline for this series: "Have you been dying to find out who won the Tuomo Ruutu for Andrew Ladd trade?" Enough said.
So what Stanley Cup Finals matchup would you like to see in two weeks?
2010年5月9日星期日
Stamkos scores 51st goal in Lightning's 3-1 win
Stamkos chased down a loose puck and scored into an empty net with 13 seconds left to tie Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby for the league lead. Crosby scored twice in the Penguins' win over the soccer jerseys New York Islanders. Washington's Alex Ovechkin remained at 50 after he was held scoreless earlier Sunday in the Capitals' loss to Boston.
Mike Smith made 30 saves for the Lightning, who finished the season with three straight wins.
Rostislav Olesz scored for Florida and Scott Clemmensen stopped 28 shots.
Olesz scored at 2:06 of the first give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. He dug the puck out of the corner, then brought it out and shot from the right circle. The puck trickled under Smith's pad for Olesz's first goal in 32 games.
The Lightning tied it on Tanguay's goal at 8:01 of the first. Brandon Bochenski took a shot from the slot. Clemmensen stopped it but Tanguay swooped in for the rebound and put it in with a wrist shot.
The Lightning took a 2-1 lead a few minutes later when Lecavalier put a wrist shot high into the net over Clemmensen at 10:20.
Stamkos had several other chances to score. Clemmensen made a pad save after it appeared Stamkos had him beat with a deke to the backhand at 14:23 of the first.
At 20 years, 2 months and 3 days, Stamkos is the third-youngest player to reach 50 goals in a season. Only Wayne Gretzky (19 years, 2 months) and Jimmy Carson (19 years, 8 months) were younger when they had a 50-goal season. Stamkos, the No. overall pick in the 2008 NHL draft, is the 88th player to reach the mark.
NOTES: Tampa Bay recalled defenseman Scott Jackson from the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL. Jackson made his NHL debut in Sunday's game...The Panthers are 7-5-2 with two ties in season finales in franchise history, while the Lightning improved to 3-12-1 with one tie in season-ending games.
Vincent Lecavalier has the single-season franchise mark for Tampa Bay with 52 goals set during the 2006-07 season.
The Lightning missed the playoffs for the third straight season but finished with their highest point total (80) since recording 93 in 2006-07.
Florida hasn't made the Soccer jerseys playoffs since the 1999-00 season.
Mike Smith made 30 saves for the Lightning, who finished the season with three straight wins.
Rostislav Olesz scored for Florida and Scott Clemmensen stopped 28 shots.
Olesz scored at 2:06 of the first give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. He dug the puck out of the corner, then brought it out and shot from the right circle. The puck trickled under Smith's pad for Olesz's first goal in 32 games.
The Lightning tied it on Tanguay's goal at 8:01 of the first. Brandon Bochenski took a shot from the slot. Clemmensen stopped it but Tanguay swooped in for the rebound and put it in with a wrist shot.
The Lightning took a 2-1 lead a few minutes later when Lecavalier put a wrist shot high into the net over Clemmensen at 10:20.
Stamkos had several other chances to score. Clemmensen made a pad save after it appeared Stamkos had him beat with a deke to the backhand at 14:23 of the first.
At 20 years, 2 months and 3 days, Stamkos is the third-youngest player to reach 50 goals in a season. Only Wayne Gretzky (19 years, 2 months) and Jimmy Carson (19 years, 8 months) were younger when they had a 50-goal season. Stamkos, the No. overall pick in the 2008 NHL draft, is the 88th player to reach the mark.
NOTES: Tampa Bay recalled defenseman Scott Jackson from the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL. Jackson made his NHL debut in Sunday's game...The Panthers are 7-5-2 with two ties in season finales in franchise history, while the Lightning improved to 3-12-1 with one tie in season-ending games.
Vincent Lecavalier has the single-season franchise mark for Tampa Bay with 52 goals set during the 2006-07 season.
The Lightning missed the playoffs for the third straight season but finished with their highest point total (80) since recording 93 in 2006-07.
Florida hasn't made the Soccer jerseys playoffs since the 1999-00 season.
2010年5月8日星期六
Sabres retain coach Ruff for 1 more season
Regier is under contract through next season.
"Any notion that 2010 World Cup Jerseys they're not going to be part of the process of us getting there, let's dispel that now," Quinn said, referring to the Sabres' attempt to rebuild themselves into a contender. Quinn spoke during a wide-ranging end-of-season news conference three days after Buffalo was eliminated by Boston in Game 6 of their first-round series.
Ruff had no intention of going anywhere, and is looking forward to next season after helping the Sabres win the Northeast Division and make the playoffs for the first time in three years.
"The obvious disappointment is staring us right in the face, but I'm really excited about this group of players," Ruff said. "I can say this season was a tremendous step forward in the regular season. And it was a kick in the backside, and a step backward in the playoffs."
With a 483-389-122 record, Ruff is the Sabres' winningest coach, and ranks 17th on the NHL list after moving ahead of former mentor, the late Roger Neilson, this past season.
Hired prior to the 1997-98 season, Ruff is the NHL's active leader among coaches with the same team. Since he was hired, there have been 154 coaching changes in the NHL, including the New Jersey Devils, after coach Jacques Lemaire announced his retirement this week.
Regier said he intends to be active in free agency this offseason in a bid to improve a team that struggled on offense and with an inconsistent power play that went 0 for 19 against Boston.
"Yes, I think we need to make some changes," Regier said, adding he's already formulating an offseason plan.
That's regarded as a departure in philosophy for an executive who has expressed patience in building his team through the draft, and avoided making splashes in free agency.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - The Buffalo Sabres have picked up the one-year option on head coach Lindy Ruff's contract, which means he will be back for a 13th season.
In announcing the move on Thursday, Sabres minority owner Larry Quinn said the team is also prepared to negotiate a long-term extension with Ruff and general manager Darcy Regier.
"Any notion that 2010 World Cup Jerseys they're not going to be part of the process of us getting there, let's dispel that now," Quinn said, referring to the Sabres' attempt to rebuild themselves into a contender. Quinn spoke during a wide-ranging end-of-season news conference three days after Buffalo was eliminated by Boston in Game 6 of their first-round series.
Ruff had no intention of going anywhere, and is looking forward to next season after helping the Sabres win the Northeast Division and make the playoffs for the first time in three years.
"The obvious disappointment is staring us right in the face, but I'm really excited about this group of players," Ruff said. "I can say this season was a tremendous step forward in the regular season. And it was a kick in the backside, and a step backward in the playoffs."
With a 483-389-122 record, Ruff is the Sabres' winningest coach, and ranks 17th on the NHL list after moving ahead of former mentor, the late Roger Neilson, this past season.
Hired prior to the 1997-98 season, Ruff is the NHL's active leader among coaches with the same team. Since he was hired, there have been 154 coaching changes in the NHL, including the New Jersey Devils, after coach Jacques Lemaire announced his retirement this week.
Regier said he intends to be active in free agency this offseason in a bid to improve a team that struggled on offense and with an inconsistent power play that went 0 for 19 against Boston.
"Yes, I think we need to make some changes," Regier said, adding he's already formulating an offseason plan.
That's regarded as a departure in philosophy for an executive who has expressed patience in building his team through the draft, and avoided making splashes in free agency.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - The Buffalo Sabres have picked up the one-year option on head coach Lindy Ruff's contract, which means he will be back for a 13th season.
In announcing the move on Thursday, Sabres minority owner Larry Quinn said the team is also prepared to negotiate a long-term extension with Ruff and general manager Darcy Regier.
2010年5月7日星期五
Zajac, Parise and Kovalchuk lead Devils to 6-3 win
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - Travis Zajac and Zach Parise each scored twice and Ilya Kovalchuk had a goal and three assists to lead the New Jersey Devils to a 6-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night. soccer jerseys
Paul Martin also scored for the Devils, and Martin Brodeur made 19 saves to reach the 40-win mark for the eighth time. No other NHL goalie has had more than three 40-win seasons.
The Devils jumped over the Penguins and into first place in the Atlantic Division. New Jersey and Pittsburgh both have 90 points, but the Devils have one more win than the Penguins and have played one fewer game.
Antoine Vermette, Jakub Voracek and Kristian Huselius scored for Columbus.
The Devils' dormant power-play came alive and produced New Jersey's first three goals.
The Devils grabbed the lead at 13:01 of the first period when Parise pounded home Jamie Langenbrunner's rebound for New Jersey's first man-advantage goal in seven games. The Devils failed to connect on their previous 17 power-play attempts.
Sharp stops by Brodeur at the start kept the Blue Jackets off the scoreboard. Brodeur turned aside Rick Nash's shot from the slot before making a sprawling save on Derick Brassard.
The revived power play struck again when Martin scored 1:14 into the second as the Devils grabbed a 2-0 lead. Martin fired in the rebound of Patrik Elias' shot for his second goal in four games since returning to the lineup after missing 59 game because of a broken arm.
Vermette scored at 3:40 on a slap shot from just inside the blue line that rocketed past Brodeur's glove to make it 2-1.
Kovalchuk scored the Devils' third power-play tally at 12:32, picking the short side to beat Steve Mason from the bottom of the left circle. It was his first goal in five games and sixth in 17 games with New Jersey.
Zajac scored the next two on deflections at 15:40 and 19:07 as the Devils expanded their lead to 5-1. Voracek closed out the scoring in the second period with 20 seconds remaining.
In the third, Huselius netted his fourth goal in five games 6 minutes into the period to trim the Devils' lead to 5-3. Parise snuffed out Columbus' comeback hopes with his second tally at 12:52, spinning in front of the net before flipping the puck past Mason.
NOTES: Both teams lost 1-0 on Saturday. The Devils lost at home to St. Louis while the Blue Jackets were beaten in Nashville. ... Kovalchuk flew to Florida on Sunday for the birth of his third child and then returned to New Jersey. ... It was the first showdown between Brodeur and Mason, who grew up idolizing the Devils goaltender. ... A pair of Devils defensemen reached games-played milestones: Bryce Salvador, 600, and Andy Greene, 200. ... Columbus made its first trip to Newark, becoming the last team to visit the Prudential Center. ... The Devils improved to 6-2-2 against the Blue Jackets.
Paul Martin also scored for the Devils, and Martin Brodeur made 19 saves to reach the 40-win mark for the eighth time. No other NHL goalie has had more than three 40-win seasons.
The Devils jumped over the Penguins and into first place in the Atlantic Division. New Jersey and Pittsburgh both have 90 points, but the Devils have one more win than the Penguins and have played one fewer game.
Antoine Vermette, Jakub Voracek and Kristian Huselius scored for Columbus.
The Devils' dormant power-play came alive and produced New Jersey's first three goals.
The Devils grabbed the lead at 13:01 of the first period when Parise pounded home Jamie Langenbrunner's rebound for New Jersey's first man-advantage goal in seven games. The Devils failed to connect on their previous 17 power-play attempts.
Sharp stops by Brodeur at the start kept the Blue Jackets off the scoreboard. Brodeur turned aside Rick Nash's shot from the slot before making a sprawling save on Derick Brassard.
The revived power play struck again when Martin scored 1:14 into the second as the Devils grabbed a 2-0 lead. Martin fired in the rebound of Patrik Elias' shot for his second goal in four games since returning to the lineup after missing 59 game because of a broken arm.
Vermette scored at 3:40 on a slap shot from just inside the blue line that rocketed past Brodeur's glove to make it 2-1.
Kovalchuk scored the Devils' third power-play tally at 12:32, picking the short side to beat Steve Mason from the bottom of the left circle. It was his first goal in five games and sixth in 17 games with New Jersey.
Zajac scored the next two on deflections at 15:40 and 19:07 as the Devils expanded their lead to 5-1. Voracek closed out the scoring in the second period with 20 seconds remaining.
In the third, Huselius netted his fourth goal in five games 6 minutes into the period to trim the Devils' lead to 5-3. Parise snuffed out Columbus' comeback hopes with his second tally at 12:52, spinning in front of the net before flipping the puck past Mason.
NOTES: Both teams lost 1-0 on Saturday. The Devils lost at home to St. Louis while the Blue Jackets were beaten in Nashville. ... Kovalchuk flew to Florida on Sunday for the birth of his third child and then returned to New Jersey. ... It was the first showdown between Brodeur and Mason, who grew up idolizing the Devils goaltender. ... A pair of Devils defensemen reached games-played milestones: Bryce Salvador, 600, and Andy Greene, 200. ... Columbus made its first trip to Newark, becoming the last team to visit the Prudential Center. ... The Devils improved to 6-2-2 against the Blue Jackets.
2010年5月5日星期三
Devils top Hurricanes, tie Penguins atop Atlantic
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Dainius Zubrus and Patrik Elias scored first-period goals for the New Jersey Devils, soccer jerseys who beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-0 and moved into a flat-footed tie with Pittsburgh atop the Atlantic Division on Saturday night.
Martin Brodeur made 26 saves to record his NHL-record 109th shutout and 599th victory.
The Devils (45-26-7) kept pace with Pittsburgh, which won earlier Saturday. New Jersey, which also got third-period goals from Zach Parise and David Clarkson, improved to 31-1-1 when leading after two periods.
Zubrus took a pass from Parise late in a power play and scored between goalie Cam Ward's legs with 6:47 left in the first. Elias netted his 16th goal when he took a pass from Ilya Kovalchuk and fired a shot over Ward's left shoulder of Ward with 1:42 remaining in the opening period.
In the third, Parise gathered a loose puck at the side of the net and put a shot in off Ward's skate with 12:26 remaining. Clarkson sealed the win with an empty-net goal.
The Devils, who outshot the Hurricanes 29-26, won the season series 3-1.
Carolina was shut out at home for the second time in eight days. Atlanta beat the Hurricanes 4-0 at the RBC Center on March 27. The Hurricanes have lost five of the last seven at home.
NOTES: Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner was a healthy scratch. He had played in each of New Jersey's first 78 games this season. Travis Zajac played in his 315th consecutive game for New Jersey, and Zubrus played his 900th NHL game. New Jersey improved to 11-5-2 in the second of back-to-back games. The Devils lost 2-1 in a shootout on Friday at home against Chicago. Ward, who had been 2-0 after returning to the lineup after a back injury, made 25 saves.
Martin Brodeur made 26 saves to record his NHL-record 109th shutout and 599th victory.
The Devils (45-26-7) kept pace with Pittsburgh, which won earlier Saturday. New Jersey, which also got third-period goals from Zach Parise and David Clarkson, improved to 31-1-1 when leading after two periods.
Zubrus took a pass from Parise late in a power play and scored between goalie Cam Ward's legs with 6:47 left in the first. Elias netted his 16th goal when he took a pass from Ilya Kovalchuk and fired a shot over Ward's left shoulder of Ward with 1:42 remaining in the opening period.
In the third, Parise gathered a loose puck at the side of the net and put a shot in off Ward's skate with 12:26 remaining. Clarkson sealed the win with an empty-net goal.
The Devils, who outshot the Hurricanes 29-26, won the season series 3-1.
Carolina was shut out at home for the second time in eight days. Atlanta beat the Hurricanes 4-0 at the RBC Center on March 27. The Hurricanes have lost five of the last seven at home.
NOTES: Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner was a healthy scratch. He had played in each of New Jersey's first 78 games this season. Travis Zajac played in his 315th consecutive game for New Jersey, and Zubrus played his 900th NHL game. New Jersey improved to 11-5-2 in the second of back-to-back games. The Devils lost 2-1 in a shootout on Friday at home against Chicago. Ward, who had been 2-0 after returning to the lineup after a back injury, made 25 saves.
UEFA
Russia v Slovenia, Moscow World Cup Jerseys
Since last month’s draw there have been big expectations on Guus Hiddink’s Russia to qualify for next year’s World Cup. Slovenia was seen as the easy draw but the Dutch maestro is having none of that talk and insists this tie will be tough.
Hiddink said, “I can only say one thing; there is no hint of us underestimating the Slovenians. We all know it will not be an easy game. The stakes are too high.”
Indeed, following Russia’s brilliant Euro 2008 campaign, many of the locals believe they can have a realistic tilt at the cup in 2010 and with stars like Andrei Arshavin, Yuri Zhirkov and Roman Pavlyuchenko, why not?
And despite Hiddink’s tactness, the Slovenians realize they’ve got a huge task with boss Matjaz Kek admitting, “You and I both know that Russia are the favourites. There is no secret that they are a side of great class.”
Since last month’s draw there have been big expectations on Guus Hiddink’s Russia to qualify for next year’s World Cup. Slovenia was seen as the easy draw but the Dutch maestro is having none of that talk and insists this tie will be tough.
Hiddink said, “I can only say one thing; there is no hint of us underestimating the Slovenians. We all know it will not be an easy game. The stakes are too high.”
Indeed, following Russia’s brilliant Euro 2008 campaign, many of the locals believe they can have a realistic tilt at the cup in 2010 and with stars like Andrei Arshavin, Yuri Zhirkov and Roman Pavlyuchenko, why not?
And despite Hiddink’s tactness, the Slovenians realize they’ve got a huge task with boss Matjaz Kek admitting, “You and I both know that Russia are the favourites. There is no secret that they are a side of great class.”
2010年5月4日星期二
Scramble for nine crucial points begins
Before the English premiership completes its first leg matches of soccer jerseys this season and takes a well-deserved Christmas break, most teams have about three games to go. From the top to the bottom of the league, each team is quite eager to accumulate the nine maximum points and give their fans a Christmas present for their loyalty.
If the results of two consecutive wins can restore hope to a team that was performing poorly, then equally two defeats are just enough to start doubting that hope. This statement found it’s meaning when Man City won two consecutive games last week and Chelsea suffered back-to-back loses the same week.
Although the two teams from Manchester ended the week on a high note, many would hand Man City the undisputed team of the week title. First, they eliminated Arsenal in the Carling cup quarterfinal. Secondly, they broke their seven game drawing streak with a hard fought win against the current league leaders Chelsea.
The wins couldn’t have come at a better time than this for Man City’s manager who was under intense pressure. As he plots on how he will get the nine maximum points, he share the same worry as Chelsea’s manager on how he will cope without his African players when they head to Angola, to play in the African Nations Cup in January.
Statistics indicate that Man Utd’s credibility of winning the title comes out very strongly after Christmas because that’s when they record most of their wins. On the other hand, the same statistics say that the last time Chelsea won the two premiership titles in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 seasons, they were leading the table standings when the premiership broke for Christmas.
Putting statistics aside, the next three games will not ultimately decide who will be crowned the English champion in May next year, but they will decide which team will enjoy Christmas while occupying the highly desirable top seat, of the table standings.
If the results of two consecutive wins can restore hope to a team that was performing poorly, then equally two defeats are just enough to start doubting that hope. This statement found it’s meaning when Man City won two consecutive games last week and Chelsea suffered back-to-back loses the same week.
Although the two teams from Manchester ended the week on a high note, many would hand Man City the undisputed team of the week title. First, they eliminated Arsenal in the Carling cup quarterfinal. Secondly, they broke their seven game drawing streak with a hard fought win against the current league leaders Chelsea.
The wins couldn’t have come at a better time than this for Man City’s manager who was under intense pressure. As he plots on how he will get the nine maximum points, he share the same worry as Chelsea’s manager on how he will cope without his African players when they head to Angola, to play in the African Nations Cup in January.
Statistics indicate that Man Utd’s credibility of winning the title comes out very strongly after Christmas because that’s when they record most of their wins. On the other hand, the same statistics say that the last time Chelsea won the two premiership titles in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 seasons, they were leading the table standings when the premiership broke for Christmas.
Putting statistics aside, the next three games will not ultimately decide who will be crowned the English champion in May next year, but they will decide which team will enjoy Christmas while occupying the highly desirable top seat, of the table standings.
2010年5月3日星期一
2010年5月2日星期日
Burnley vs. Fulham: Premier League Betting Preview
Some extremely dour looking Soccer jerseys fixtures on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League but there appears a bet to be had at Turf Moor and I want to take on the home side.
Were it not for Burnley’s excellent home record then they could well have found themselves cut adrift at the bottom already but early season wins over the likes of Everton and Manchester United gave them confidence to perform in front of their own fans. That said, their recent displays have fallen some way short of the previous standards set and Fulham will be no pushovers on Saturday.
Having conceded 11 goals in their last four Premier League games the alarm bells are probably ringing for Owen Coyle and he won’t have been pleased by back-to-back defeats at West Ham and Portsmouth. That pair are fellow relegation candidates but Saturday’s opponents are a different proposition altogether and Fulham are slowly getting their act together on their travels.
While Roy Hodgson’s men have not won away from Craven Cottage since the opening day at Fratton Park it is just two defeats in 13 matches in all competitions, when unlucky against Roma in the Italian capital and at in-form Birmingham, and surely they will be good enough to pick up a point in the north-west. I’ve been really impressed with them this season and Hodgson should be applauded for the job he is doing.
It is a sign of the progress made at Fulham that a win on Saturday would see them keep in touch with the top four and in Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora they have a pair playing at the very top of their games. Hodgson’s pleas for an England call up for the latter are probably wide of the mark but Zamora is a handful for any defence at present while the USA midfielder has five goals in his last seven outings.
Fulham have coped admirably this season with the loss of injured strike duo Andrew Johnson and Diomansy Kamara but they are tough to beat these days too thanks to a robust backline lead by the excellent Brede Hangeland and just 16 top flight goals conceded so far this season pays testament to that.
Following 1-0 wins over Sunderland and CSKA Sofia in the last seven days the Cottagers will fancy their chances of making it a hat-trick of victories but Hodgson will first of all demand they return south unscathed and Fulham should have no trouble achieving that.
The away side will take heart from Wigan’s 3-1 triumph at Turf Moor and I don’t need much convincing to take on Burnley at around the 2.74 mark. There is a world of difference between the sides and hopefully that will be evident in the score line on Saturday.
Were it not for Burnley’s excellent home record then they could well have found themselves cut adrift at the bottom already but early season wins over the likes of Everton and Manchester United gave them confidence to perform in front of their own fans. That said, their recent displays have fallen some way short of the previous standards set and Fulham will be no pushovers on Saturday.
Having conceded 11 goals in their last four Premier League games the alarm bells are probably ringing for Owen Coyle and he won’t have been pleased by back-to-back defeats at West Ham and Portsmouth. That pair are fellow relegation candidates but Saturday’s opponents are a different proposition altogether and Fulham are slowly getting their act together on their travels.
While Roy Hodgson’s men have not won away from Craven Cottage since the opening day at Fratton Park it is just two defeats in 13 matches in all competitions, when unlucky against Roma in the Italian capital and at in-form Birmingham, and surely they will be good enough to pick up a point in the north-west. I’ve been really impressed with them this season and Hodgson should be applauded for the job he is doing.
It is a sign of the progress made at Fulham that a win on Saturday would see them keep in touch with the top four and in Clint Dempsey and Bobby Zamora they have a pair playing at the very top of their games. Hodgson’s pleas for an England call up for the latter are probably wide of the mark but Zamora is a handful for any defence at present while the USA midfielder has five goals in his last seven outings.
Fulham have coped admirably this season with the loss of injured strike duo Andrew Johnson and Diomansy Kamara but they are tough to beat these days too thanks to a robust backline lead by the excellent Brede Hangeland and just 16 top flight goals conceded so far this season pays testament to that.
Following 1-0 wins over Sunderland and CSKA Sofia in the last seven days the Cottagers will fancy their chances of making it a hat-trick of victories but Hodgson will first of all demand they return south unscathed and Fulham should have no trouble achieving that.
The away side will take heart from Wigan’s 3-1 triumph at Turf Moor and I don’t need much convincing to take on Burnley at around the 2.74 mark. There is a world of difference between the sides and hopefully that will be evident in the score line on Saturday.
Roberto Ayala Leaves Real Zaragoza
Friday, January 22, 2010 -- Central defender Roberto Fabian Ayala has left Spanish Primera Division side Real Zaragoza with mutual consent.
Ayala has been with Zaragoza since 2007 when he joined them after leaving Valencia. However, Ayala has not been able to do much and went down to the Segunda Division with them at the end of the 2007-2008 season.
A statement on the club’s official website read, “This afternoon, Real Zaragoza have agreed to terminate the contract of Roberto Fabian Ayala.
"Real Zaragoza appreciates the professionalism, commitment and delivery Ayala has shown while the wearing the shirt of the club, last season as captain. The club want to NFL jerseys convey their best wishes, both sporting and personal."
The 36-year-old is now said to be returning to Argentina
Ayala has been with Zaragoza since 2007 when he joined them after leaving Valencia. However, Ayala has not been able to do much and went down to the Segunda Division with them at the end of the 2007-2008 season.
A statement on the club’s official website read, “This afternoon, Real Zaragoza have agreed to terminate the contract of Roberto Fabian Ayala.
"Real Zaragoza appreciates the professionalism, commitment and delivery Ayala has shown while the wearing the shirt of the club, last season as captain. The club want to NFL jerseys convey their best wishes, both sporting and personal."
The 36-year-old is now said to be returning to Argentina
2010年5月1日星期六
Fla. Gov. Crist pressed on GOP contributions
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, who woke up this morning without the backing of the Republican Party for his Senate campaign, told MSNBC that he would "probably" give back political donations from GOP supporters -- if asked. soccer jerseys
Federal Election Commission reports show that Crist raised about $1.1 million in the first three months of 2010 and that he has $7.6 million in the bank.
"Morning Joe" host Joe Scarborough asked Crist, "Are you going to give them that money back or are you going to keep it?" (Watch about 8 minutes into this video).
Crist responded: "Well, No. 1, nobody's asked me yet. Not one person has asked me yet. And I think they realize that the reality is they gave it to my campaign, they gave it to me in order to espouse the ideas I believe in."
Well, at least one person is asking for a refund: Texas Sen. John Cornyn, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), called on Crist to give back donations, including $10,000 Cornyn gave Crist from his own political action committee. See an earlier On Politics post here.
Scarborough: "If they ask for money back will you give it back to them or will you keep it for the campaign?"
Crist: "Ah, probably give it back to them. It's not that big a deal. What really matters is we're able to communicate our message."
If Crist does return any money, the conservative Club for Growth PAC is prepared to help facilitate the effort. "Every dollar in Charlie Crist's campaign war chest was dishonestly raised, and he now has an obligation to refund his ill-gotten contributions to all those who request their money back," the group's president, Chris Chocola, said in a statement. "The Club for Growth PAC will be launching a contribution refund campaign immediately."
Today's story in USA TODAY on Crist notes that fundraising will be one of Crist's biggest challenges in his independent campaign for the seat vacated last year by Republican Mel Martinez.
Federal Election Commission reports show that Crist raised about $1.1 million in the first three months of 2010 and that he has $7.6 million in the bank.
"Morning Joe" host Joe Scarborough asked Crist, "Are you going to give them that money back or are you going to keep it?" (Watch about 8 minutes into this video).
Crist responded: "Well, No. 1, nobody's asked me yet. Not one person has asked me yet. And I think they realize that the reality is they gave it to my campaign, they gave it to me in order to espouse the ideas I believe in."
Well, at least one person is asking for a refund: Texas Sen. John Cornyn, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), called on Crist to give back donations, including $10,000 Cornyn gave Crist from his own political action committee. See an earlier On Politics post here.
Scarborough: "If they ask for money back will you give it back to them or will you keep it for the campaign?"
Crist: "Ah, probably give it back to them. It's not that big a deal. What really matters is we're able to communicate our message."
If Crist does return any money, the conservative Club for Growth PAC is prepared to help facilitate the effort. "Every dollar in Charlie Crist's campaign war chest was dishonestly raised, and he now has an obligation to refund his ill-gotten contributions to all those who request their money back," the group's president, Chris Chocola, said in a statement. "The Club for Growth PAC will be launching a contribution refund campaign immediately."
Today's story in USA TODAY on Crist notes that fundraising will be one of Crist's biggest challenges in his independent campaign for the seat vacated last year by Republican Mel Martinez.
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